Expansion of Student Grant Scheme Important for Supporting Farm Families
IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Chair Teresa Roche said the recent announcement by Minister James Lawless of significant expansion to the Student Grant Scheme, set to take effect from the new academic year is crucial for supporting farm families across Ireland.
Teresa Roche said the expansion of the Student Grant Scheme is a positive step forward and education is a cornerstone for the future of our rural communities.
“These changes will alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by farming households,” Teresa Roche said.
“These adjustments make higher education more accessible to students from farming backgrounds. It’s essential that farm families are aware of these opportunities and the upcoming application deadlines,” she said.
Key changes to the Student Grant Scheme include:
- an increase in the income threshold to the special rate of grant from €26,200 to €27,400 in line with increases in social welfare rates
- an increase in all other income thresholds by at least 15%
- an increase to the income deduction for student earnings outside of term time from €7,925 to €8,424 effective for the 2025/26 academic year
- an increase in eligibility thresholds which will see undergraduate students whose reckonable income is under €115,000 eligible for a €500 student contribution fee grant
These improvements will take effect from September this year. Please visit the SUSI website on www.susi.ie for further information and to find out if you are eligible for a grant.
The priority closing dates are 5 June 2025 for renewal applications and 10 July 2025 for new applications.
For assistance, the SUSI Support Desk is available Monday to Friday (9.00am – 5.30pm), excluding public holidays. They can be contacted by phone on 0818 888 777 or by email at [email protected].
